In other news: Elon Musk sues OpenAI; Zyn nicotine pouches on TikTok spark debate among politicians and health experts

Published 12:00 am Saturday, March 2, 2024

By The Associated Press

Elon Musk sues OpenAI and CEO Sam Altman, claiming betrayal of its goal to benefit humanity

Elon Musk is suing OpenAI and its CEO Sam Altman over what he says is a betrayal of the ChatGPT maker’s founding aims of benefiting humanity rather than pursuing profits. The lawsuit was filed Thursday in San Francisco Superior Court. Billionaire Musk says that when he bankrolled OpenAI’s creation, he secured an agreement with Altman and Greg Brockman, the president, to keep the AI company as a non-profit that would develop technology for the benefit of the public. However, by embracing a close relationship with Microsoft, OpenAI and its top executives have set that pact “aflame” and are “perverting” the company’s mission, Musk alleges in the lawsuit.

Zyn nicotine pouches are all over TikTok, sparking debate among politicians and health experts

A small nicotine pouch called Zyn has sparked a big debate among politicians, pundits and experts. The dispute reflects an increasingly complex marketplace in which companies like Philip Morris are promoting alternative products that may be less harmful than cigarettes and chewing tobacco. But health advocates fear Zyn, like electronic cigarettes, may catch on with teenagers due to its addictive nicotine. A recent warning about Zyn by a top Democratic senator prompted a swift backlash from Republicans and conservative pundits. Meanwhile, videos of young people popping the pouches have racked up millions of views on TikTok and other social media platforms.

Winfrey leaving Weight- Watchers board, donating all of her interest in the company to a museum

Email newsletter signup

Former talk show host Oprah Winfrey is leaving the WeightWatchers board of directors and donating all of her interest in the company to a museum. Shares of WW International Inc. tumbled more than 23% in Thursday morning trading. Winfrey, who told People magazine in December that she was using a weight-loss medication, has served on the company’s board since 2015. She will not stand for re-election at WeightWatchers annual meeting in May.